Genome and transcriptome sequencing of H. rhodopensis

The resurrection plant Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. (Gesneriaceae) is unique in its ability to withstand long-term darkness and to preserve its desiccation tolerance in darkness. Using a combination of the SMRT technology of Pacific Biosciences and Dovetail HiC library, here we report the ~1.27 Mb sequenced genome of H. rhodopensis which contains an estimated 44,306 genes. To understand the molecular mechanisms of multiple stress tolerance, H. rhodopensis was subjected to desiccation, darkness, and the combination of both stress factors, and comprehensive transcriptome analyses were performed using RNA-sequencing. The transcriptome analyses revealed specific as well as common responses to the different stress factors. The availability of these genomic and transcriptomic resources will facilitate a better understanding of the genomic architecture of resurrection species and will also aid in developing strategies for crop improvement under extreme environments and multiple abiotic stresses.